Studies have revealed that in most cases of reported sexual harassments at work, the women have rarely ever accused their co-workers. It is usually the boss, or a supervisor or someone up above in the hierarchy chain. It all starts with “If you're nice to me, I'll be nice to you,” but what follows is a series of exploitations bartered for a promotion, a raise or even another better job opportunity. Psychologists have said that sexual harassment is more about control and domination than lust. Therefore, powerful men tend to sexually offend women simply to satisfy their urge to dominate them. However, women today do interact with men of different hierarchical levels, owing to their corporate jobs. Here is a guide to help them identify whether the extended hand is that of a friend or a sex offender.

When they say: If you're nice to me, I'll be nice to you.

It’s clear that they are looking at an exchange of some sorts and they are not talking about lunch. When they bluntly express their desire to establish a give and take relationship with you, it’s time to pull up your socks. Instead of confusing this as a friendly approach, one should beware of what the consequences might be.

When they say: I am always there for you.

Another seemingly friendly approach, but come to think of it, it may have a different connotation. Under a friendly garb, it may be an attempt to catch you off guard at your weakest moment. Stressed about something at work, when you are actually looking for a friend’s shoulder to lean on, make sure you don’t allow them to take advantage of your vulnerability.

When they say: Let’s go out for drinks.

Not once, or twice, but several times, and after a while they just seem adamant to take you out for that drink. According to the law, repeatedly asking a person out in spite of their refusal is classified under verbal sexual harassment. So the next time this happens to you, you should know better than saying, “What the heck, let’s go.”

When they say: That dress really brings out your curves.

Frequently complimenting someone on their dress or talking about their body/figure, to an extent that makes one uncomfortable, is the classic form of sexual harassment. But sadly, it’s still prevalent. Although it’s difficult to differentiate between a genuine compliment and that which has an ulterior motive, one should always trust their instincts in such cases.

When they say something negative about you...

Sexual harassment need not be of a flattering nature. It may not always start with a sexually connotative compliment. When someone says something negative about you, under the garb of a joke, it can also be termed as harassment. Don’t encourage it by ignoring it.

Another seemingly friendly approach, but come to think of it, it may have a different connotation. Under a friendly garb, it may be an attempt to catch you off guard at your weakest moment. Stressed about something at work, when you are actually looking for a friend’s shoulder to lean on, make sure you don’t allow them to take advantage of your vulnerability.